'The Good Dinosaur' Review

The Good Dinosaur was a very pleasant surprise. I have great faith in Pixar, but was a little apprehensive about the film due to a slightly troubled production. Prior to seeing the film I thought the dinosaurs looked too "cartoonish"and thought that the animation for the main dinosaur, Arlo, didn't seem detailed and textured enough in contrast to everything around him in the teasers and trailers. 

I can say however that the animation in the film is beautiful. The photorealistic environment is a wonder to behold onscreen and there are many gorgeous wide panoramic shots of mountain ranges that really demonstrate that Pixar is certainly still one of the best animation studios today. The cartoonish dinosaurs didn't take me out of the film or experience like I suspected upon watching the trailers but rather juxtaposed with the photorealistic backdrop to great effect. The storytelling was simple but very heart touching. 

The film's plot follows Arlo with his new friend Spot, the human child, on a journey back to his home after getting lost. I can say this film wasn't quite as sophisticated as some of Pixar's other efforts but it's certainly one of the more emotionally powerful films that they have released. I teared up four times throughout the film and one of those was during a scene that was very emotionally moving that had no dialogue. If you are a fan of animation or Pixar I highly recommend you see The Good Dinosaur, as it's another solid original Pixar film with a heart touching story and beautiful rendered animation that can entertain the entire family.

Film Assessment: B+

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Up'

This week I am reviewing Up and Rocky for my Throwback Thursday Reviews. I decided to be ambitious and review two films this week because there are two major releases this week, The Good Dinosaur and Creed, which I will have reviews for soon. Rocky to coincide with Creed, since Creed is a sequel/spinoff to Rocky and Up because it is an original Pixar film that I have yet to review and one of my favorite Pixar films. Next week I will continue reviewing the remainder of the Star Wars films in preparation for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

'Up' Review

Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Animated Feature, Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound Editing, and Best Original Score.
Won: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

Up is one of Pixar's strongest original films that is both sophisticated and heartwarming, which is a characteristic of a majority of Pixar's films to date. It has the saddest opening to a film ever, a real tear jerker within the first five minutes. Up tells the story of an older man Carl who wants to fulfill his dream and take his home to Paradise Falls and is unintentionally accompanied by Carl, a young Wilderness Explorer.

This film not only has great characterization, but also has gorgeous animation, some hilarious dialogue, and bolsters touching storytelling. Up is one of Pixar's best, enjoyable for the entire family, and certainly possesses a rewatchability factor so it can be enjoyed with multiple viewings. If you have yet to see Up I highly suggest you see it!

Film Assessment: A+

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Rocky'

This week I am reviewing two films for my Throwback Thursday Reviews Up and Rocky. This was my first time watching Rocky, although I'd seen some of the more iconic moments before, and I felt it really lived up to all that I had heard about the film. I'm reviewing Rocky because Creed, a spinoff/sequel to the Rocky franchise, comes out this week and I have eagerly anticipated Creed but wanted to watch at least one of the Rocky films and recently got all six Rocky films on Blu-Ray so I will certainly watch the others soon but I don't anticipate reviewing them any time soon as next week I will resume reviewing the Star Wars films next week for my Throwback Thursday reviews picking up with the Original Trilogy in preparation for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

'Rocky' Review

Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Director; John G. Avildsen, Best Actor; Sylvester Stallone, Best Actress; Talia Shire, Best Supporting Actor; Burgess Meredith; Burt Young, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound, and Best Original Song "Gonna Fly Now" (written by Bill Conti, Carol Connors, and Ayn Robbins).
Won: Best Picture, Best Director; John G. Avildsen, and Best Film Editing.

Rocky is regarded as one of the best films of all time and I can certainly see why it clicked so well with audiences and critics alike. It tells the underdog story of Rocky Balboa who is given an opportunity to box against the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. The film has heart and a sense of realism and may seem bit dated at times but it has such a feel good story that like the character Rocky is able to proves it's worth to the world. Rocky provides one of the greatest iconic training montages of all time that's accompanied by one of the most iconic scores of all time as well. Sylvester Stallone embodies the persona of Rocky and provides a terrific performance. Talia Shire is the perfect romantic interest for Rocky paralleling a Beauty and the Beast (1991) type relationship that works perfectly for the film. I can say that Rocky is now definitely among my favorite films and if you have never seen the film I highly suggest it.

Film Assessment: A+

'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2' Review

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is the final film in The Hunger Games franchise and picks up right where the first part ends and doesn't waste any time jumping into the action. Francis Lawrence really demonstrates how much he's grown as a director over the course of his tenure directing the Hunger Games films. His growth with the franchise also gives him the opportunity to quickly progress with the story instead of dragging along with exposition, which was an issue of Mockingjay Part 1. He does a great job of balancing the exposition and action, ensuring too much weight is given to either and really creates what I consider to be the best film in the franchise. I do think it would work better as a companion to The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 and best if both parts were combined for a slightly longer film. Unfortunately the entire film feels like the second half of a film, which it essentially is, rather than a complete film. Once again as per usual with the franchise Lawrence, the visual effects team, the production design team, and the costuming department do a terrific job of encapsulating this dystopian war torn future. The action in the film was particularly enjoyable which is mainly composed of Katniss and the rebels slowly progressing through the Capitol, only to find several death traps lain out by the remaining Gamemakers. Once again the acting talent is at the top of their game. Jennifer Lawrence is phenomenal in the role as she has proved since the beginning of this franchise and is given a chance to dive into the more complex psyche of Katniss. Josh Hutcherson really is given the opportunity to shine with complications that arose at the end of the last film regarding his character and that provides for some interesting subplots. Liam Hemsworth is somewhat bland returning as Gale with nothing particularly interesting regarding his character this time around. However, the love triangle that has been an integral part of the franchise finally pays off in this film as it has been an aspect of the franchise that I always found to be somewhat annoying and unnecessary. The love triangle becomes significantly more interesting as it becomes more and more complicated by events in the film. (To avoid spoilers in this review I won't be discussing these specific plot points.) However one little nitpick I have with the film is the lack of effort to make up for the relationship between Katniss and Prim that never felt like much of a presence in the films although it's a crucial part of the books. A major turning point in the film sees something occurs to Prim but there isn't enough substance between the her and Katniss for it to have any significant emotional meaning. The remainder of the supporting cast each are given slightly reduced roles but really add to the film when present. Woody Harelson once again perfectly embodies the grouchy Haymitch, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket returns eccentric as ever, Jenna Malone is particularly enjoyable as the snarky Johanna Mason. Phillip Seymour Hoffman returns as Plutarch, which surprised me due to his untimely passing during production of the film and was only able to shoot a small portion of the scenes however he was still appropriately given a presence in the film. Donald Sutherland once again perfectly the malevolent autocratic ruler as President Snow and every moment he is onscreen is a delight, especially the scenes he shares with Jennifer Lawrence as opposed to the other side of the coin (no pun intended) where Julianne Moore as President Coin is cold and calculating allowing for a wide range amongst the older cast. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 made for a satisfying conclusion to the franchise  but unfortunately doesn't quite work as a standalone film. I have also recently reviewed the previous Hunger Games films so feel free to check out my reviews on those films by clicking on the corresponding hyperlinks: The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1. 

Film Assessment: B+

Throwback Thursday Review: 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the second installment in 'The Hunger Games' franchise and as of now the only Hunger Games film currently released which I haven't reviewed. I will review The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 within the next few days after I see the film which will be the conclusion to my Hunger Games series and my final Hunger Games review. If you would like to read my other reviews on the Hunger Games films they are as follows The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1. My next Throwback Thursday Reviews will be over Rocky and Up due to the release of both Creed and The Good Dinosaur next week. Then I will pick up and do Throwback Thursday Reviews over The Original Trilogy for Star Wars in further preparation for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' Review

Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a huge improvement over The Hunger Games and it seems that this film had a much larger budget as the camera work and cinematography seems much more polished and refined as opposed to it's predecessor. I was very relieved the first time I saw the film two years ago that there was practically no shaky cam, which is my largest problem with the first installment. Hunger Games: Catching Fire also is directed by Francis Lawrence, who directs the rest of the franchise's film adaptations, and I really liked his take on the novel and felt he did a terrific job bringing all the Districts to the screen, giving them a slightly new fresh take on the dystopian future and I really liked how the film centers around the theme of rebellion and revolution which is the central theme of the entire series as a whole but this film shows the beginnings of this rebellion and I really like how this film's narrative helps stitch the franchise all together as a bridge piece between the first film and last film, which is split into two parts. The film begins where the last one left off with Peeta and Katniss going on a victory tour of all of the districts which allows Francis Lawrence and the production design crew the opportunity to create the aesthetic for the Districts onscreen. The film then manages to differentiate itself from the first with a twist for the 75th annual Hunger Games that the Hunger Games will consist of previous victors raising the stakes in the arena since all of the characters are the cream of the crop since they've won previous Hunger games. This helps to prevent it from being a rehash of the first one by making things a little bit more interesting. The only weakness of the film's narrative for me is the love triangle with Gale, Peeta, and Katniss. I have read the books so I understand that this is a crucial part of the series but it just seems odd to me that she's constantly switching between the two in regards to who she loves more, etc. The love triangle parts of the film somewhat drag but the action in the arena during the second half of the film makes up for it.
One aspect I really liked about this film was the new arena itself as I always found it to be ingenious that it functions like a clock with a new threat each hour contained to a specific segment of the arena representing an hour on the clock. I really enjoyed all of the exhilarating action that takes place in the arena as it's refreshing for the franchise as the action maintains the excitement of the film. This film once again boasts some terrific performances along with a few new additions.Jennifer Lawrence once again shines in the film and is phenomenal every moment she is onscreen. Jennifer Lawrence is given further complexity to dive into Katniss' character with PTSD as the events from the first film are haunting her, as well as her inner conflict due to her love triangle, along with some great emotional scenes. Josh Hutcherson is once again serviceable as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth is given a much more significant role in this film since he is a part of the love triangle and really does quite well as Gale. Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Lenny Kravitz as Cinna both are given much more prevalent roles for the franchise and both are terrific every moment they are onscreen. One of the new additions Sam Claflin seemed to fit perfectly in the role of Finnick Odair and I think he would have been a great casting choice for Aquaman in the DC's cinematic universe however they have already cast Jason Mamoa in the role. I enjoyed the complexity of Finnick's character as Katniss was unsure if she could trust him and I enjoy his role in the franchise. Philip Seymour Hoffman is another new addition for the franchise portraying Plutarch Heavensbee, the new game maker to replace the now dead Seneca Crane (the game maker from the first film) and Hoffman is phenomenal bringing a seriousness with him onscreen and was very effective in the film in his complex role. Donald Sutherland is finally able to become more than just a nefarious presence but is able to psychologically threaten and torture Katniss by manipulating the events of the Games changing the rules and really begins to step further into his villainous role. The supporting cast are once again each very effective with Stanley Tucci as the eccentric Cesar Flickerman, Elizabeth Banks as the pompous Effie Trinket adding quite a bit of humor and brightness to the film. Overall, I was very impressed by Hunger Games: Catching Fire and currently Hunger Games: Catching Fire is both my favorite book and film in the series and we will have to see if that remains true after I see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

Film Assessment: A-

Throwback Thursday Review: 'The Hunger Games'

The Hunger Games is the first in the popular Hunger Games film franchise based off of novels of the same name. Given that The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, the final film in the Hunger Games franchise, will be released next week I thought I'd go back and review it's predecessors. This week I'm reviewing The Hunger Games and next week will review The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and if I have time will go back and modify my review on The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part One after rewatching it because it was one of my older reviews that didn't go to in-depth and I will add a Film Assessment to that review. I would like to make it a habit that when I re-watch a film that I reviewed a while back before I added the Film Assessment rating, I will go back and at least add that to the review or possibly modify the score if the film doesn't hold up to repeated viewings. 

'The Hunger Games' Review

Gary Ross does a phenomenal job of weaving the cinematography, costuming, production design and visual effects all together to help visualize this dystopian future described in the young adult novel series. Ross and the design teams also do particularly well juxtaposing the different environments of the bleak, dismal District 12 with the lively, bustling Capitol which is a brilliant piece of social commentary. The Arena is also given it's own atmosphere and I like how the film helps place the audience in the character's eyes as once they enter the arena there is a genuine sense of confusion as it feels as though the audience is thrust into the games. However there is a huge blaring problem as soon as the Games begin there is an extensive overuse of shaky cam. I found this to be quite annoying and really distracting to the film and it's probably my largest issue with The Hunger Games. I'm unsure if the filmmakers were trying to create a sense of confusion but the shaky cam just didn't quite work for me. I believe shaky cam can some times help to elevate a film if used correctly but this is not the case as it's used in almost every scene shot in the arena and there are moments where I wonder if they even had  tripod on set while shooting this film. Despite the annoyance of the shaky cam, several of my favorite moments take place in the arena. I liked seeing the tributes utilize basic survival skills, and one scene between Rue and Katniss is just heartbreaking, I won't dive into spoiler territory though as it's a very impactful moment and I wouldn't want that scene to be ruined for anyone prior to viewing the film. The performances across the board aren't too impressive, but there are a few diamonds in the rough figuratively. The true star is Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, the film's lead, and fits perfectly into the role of the tough yet humble heroine. A majority of the scenes that transferred perfectly from the page to the screen were the scenes that focused on Katniss. In particular, the scene in which Katniss volunteers as tribute to save her sister is very emotionally moving and perfectly encapsulated the moment as it registered in my mind whilst reading the book. Other scenes that featured Katniss that just felt cohesive to the film's narrative with Lawrence's performance and maintaining pinpoint accuracy to the way these events unraveled in the book ranged from the scene where Katniss is being evaluated by the and she chooses to fire an arrow into the viewing area to catch their attention showing just how courageous Katniss is to the simple moment when Katniss is being interviewed by Cesar Flickerman and twirls in her dress to have the skirt become engulfed in small flames that earns her the nickname "The girl on fire".
Josh Hutchinson plays Peeta, the other tribute from District 12 and doesn't really bring anything special to the role but is certainly serviceable as the nice sensitive guy who is one of Katniss' love interests, the other being Liam Hemsworth is very underused in the role of Gale with very little screen time but he also doesn't booster too much acting prowess. One actress I was very impressed with was Amanda Stenberg, the child actress who portrayed Rue, as her character has one of the most pivotal emotional core moments in the entire film and the young actress nails it really "hitting the audience in the feels". The main supporting cast consisting of Stanley Tucci as the flamboyant Cesar Flickerman, Elizabeth Banks as the pretentious Effie Trinket, Woody Harrelson as the laid-back mentor Haymitch, and Lenny Kravitz as Katniss' stylist Cinna. Each of which fit quite well in their respective roles and really bring out the exaggerated characteristics of their characters which helps keep the film more interesting in the dialogue heavy scenes. In regards to villains, Wes Bentley is a very sly and smooth as the Gamemaker, Seneca, who designs the Arena and manipulates the situations inside the Hunger Games and Donald Sutherland has a very malevolent presences as the autocratic ruler of Panem, President Snow. Both actors wear out their villainous roles like a glove adding to the bleak dystopian atmosphere when present. Having read all of the books I can say that the film is very faithful to the source material and has fantastic world building onscreen that helps to place the audience in this dystopian future and feel as though they are truly watching the events of the book occur. Overall, the film is quite entertaining with a stellar lead in Jennifer Lawrence, a solid supporting cast, an intriguing narrative and riveting action despite the annoyance of the shaky cam. In spite of all of these elements that are well crafted together I personally prefer the book. If you have yet to see The Hunger Games I strongly recommend you watch it, especially if you have any interest in the book series.

Film Assessment: C+

'Spectre' Review

Nominated For: Best Original Song "Writing's On The Wall"(written by Sam Smith and James Napier).
Won: Best Original Song "Writing's On The Wall"(written by Sam Smith and James Napier).

Spectre is the newest Bond flick and possibly the last one that will star Daniel Craig and if it is indeed the last one with him as the infamous gentleman spy it was a very satisfying conclusion to the Daniel Craig 007 films that goes full circle. I went to go see the film last night at a early premiere showing for the film after watching all of the previous Daniel Craig led Bond flicks these past three weeks in preparation for the film and must say I quite enjoyed it. The film hits the ground running as per usual in these latest 007 films with an incredible Day Of the Dead action sequence. This sequence incorporated so many great elements and wrapped them all together for a phenomenal action scene. The costume and production design in this sequence as well as the entire film really cooperated in establishing location and looked incredible onscreen for all the exotic locations. The film's score also is quite effective in servicing the film adding to the experience, especially in the opening Day of the Dead scene. The opening Day of the Dead sequence was then accompanied by a wonderful opening credit scene that featured and really visualized  Sam Smith's contribution "The Writing on the Wall" perfectly.  The action was top notch from beginning to the end of the Day of the Dead sequence from Bond running on rooftops to an intense chase to an insane chopper battle above the celebratory parade. The action also doesn't let up for the remainder of the film with a car chase in Rome, an epic battle down the Austrian mountainside, and a visceral hand to hand combat fight with Mr. Hinx onboard a train. The only action sequence I found slightly underwhelming was the anticlimactic final fight. Spectre was a visual delight though as the car chase in Rome was gorgeous thanks to some awe-inspiring cinematography. The film also sports some of the best performances of the recent 007 films. Daniel Craig with this film provides his best take at the iconic gentlemen spy cementing his place as one of the best James Bond's to grace the screen. Lea Seydoux made for a great Bond girl as she not only did well in regards to acting but action as well. She made for a nontraditional Bond girl in that sense and differentiated from the rest since she is here to stay as opposed to the usual one offs. Ben Whishaw as Q, Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny each have slightly increased roles and really add to the film in their terrific supporting performances.  In regards to the film's villains, Dave Bautista makes a serviceable, menacing henchman as Mr. Hinx but one glaring problem with this role for me was that he came across also to be a brutal thoughtless henchman. I felt like Bautista was very underused as unfortunately he literally had one lie of dialogue and could have been better portrayed had he not come across as a meathead henchman. On the other side of that coin, Christoph Waltz's performance as a cold, calculating megalomaniac Franz Oberhauser. I thought Waltz was perfectly cast and made for a great villain although he had much less screen time than I anticipated. I did like that his reveal was saved for the middle of the film and the character was shrouded in mystery and intrigue until that point. I will say however that I felt Javier Bardem made for a much more interesting villain in Skyfall.  Unfortunately despite all of the impressive qualities of Spectre there is a blaring weakness of the film. It's narrative that seemed eerily familiar to two recent films, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation with a very similar basic plot that incorporates elements that are explored in both films. The story for Spectre wasn't "bad" it just didn't really feel very original. However I did like that the film's narrative brought all of these Daniel Craig Bond films full circle back to Casino Royale where it all began.  To sum it up, Spectre is a love letter to the classic Bond flicks incorporating elements from them in a modern context and setting that is visually delightful, contains top notch action, a rousing score, and exceptional performances. I have reviews on all three of the Daniel Craig led Bond flicks if you'd like to read them the hyperlinks are as follows: Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, and Skyfall.

Film Assessment: A-

Throwback Thursday Review: 'Skyfall'

This week concludes my Daniel Craig 007 series of reviews as the is the last one before Spectre. I will be seeing Spectre tonight so expect a review up on that film soon. Next week I will begin my Hunger Games Throwback Thursday Reviews leading up to The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2. Maybe one day I will go back and review the classic Bond flicks when my review schedule opens up.

'Skyfall' Review

Nominated For: Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song "Skyfall" (written by Adele and Paul Epworth).
Won: Best Sound Editing and Best Original Song "Skyfall" (written by Adele and Paul Epworth).

Prior to beginning the 007 series of reviews this was the only James Bond movie I had ever seen, and I loved it and still do. This film jumps straight into the action with an intense chase scene with high stakes followed by Adele's beautiful song "Skyfall" with some stunning opening credit visuals. The film manages to balance dialogue and action well with very intense action scenes as well as phenomenal acting performances. Daniel Craig once again is phenomenal as James Bond perfectly captivating the essence of the suave gentleman agent. He is incredible in the role and this time around is probably his best take at the role in comparison to the two previous films. Judi Dench also goes her best performance as M in this film as she struggles to lead in these difficult times when the agency is in question. Ralph Fiennes was great in his supporting role but unfortunately wasn't given too much to do this time around although I'm sure that will change with Spectre. Naomi Harris was great as Eve Moneypenny in her action scenes as well as the character interactions, especially with Bond which contained some great humor. This film also had the best villain of the three Daniel Craig led Bond flicks with Javier Bardem playing a very twisted compelling villain who was a great equal in opposition to Bond. I loved that his character was always a step ahead and was a mental and physical force to be reckoned with who had well thought out complicated schemes that were executed well. Skyfall also allowed for a little bit of a dive into the 007 mythos as we are teased about Bond's childhood and yet learn quite a bit about the character. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the film which was quite captivating and the best of the three in my opinion. The film also had gorgeous cinematography and incredible visual effects. This film was not only a good spy flick but a terrific film as well. Overall, this is currently my favorite among the Daniel Craig Bond flicks and I'm curious to see if Spectre will be able to compete for that spot.

Film Assessment: A+